While a certain amount of stress is normal (and even healthy), long-term, chronic stress can have a serious impact on your emotional and physical health.
Emotional Symptoms of stress can include:
- irritability
- anxiety
- and depression
Physical Symptoms of stress can include:
- low energy
- headaches
- insomnia
- upset stomach
- and frequent colds
Stress can affect our cognition, leading to forgetfulness and an inability to focus. It can also negatively impact our behaviour: trying to cope using food, alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.
One quick thing you can do to counteract stress is to give someone a good hug. This has been shown to release oxytocin, which may reduce anxiety, cardiac stress and depression. Give a friend, partner, family member or pet a hug. It will benefit you both.
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